Vol 4 Chapter 139: Machiavelli's spring

As the ruler of Florence, the Medici family once ruled the city as a tyrant.
The accumulation of the backstory accumulated over the years has made the family not only in Florence, but also in other places.
So even if they were expelled, the Medici family could still hope to find a chance to recover.
Unlike the Fugel family, the Medici family, in addition to wealth, is completely naked in their pursuit of power. In the process of seeking Florence's ruling power, the means adopted by this family are no more moral than their opponents.
But for the people, the Medici family can still be called a good ruler. If it was not the invasion of Charlie Charlie, then Piero de Medici at that time was too dissatisfied and caused the anger of the Florentine people, and then was Savonarola led the people to overthrow and drive away, and perhaps the rule of the Medici family would continue smoothly.
The incompetent Piero de Medici became the sinner who caused the family to be smashed into the world from the clouds, but nevertheless, the rest of the Medici family never gave up and returned to Florence to restore power intend.
One of the most famous is Giovanni de Medici.
As the son of the most respectable "great" Lorenzo de Medici, Giovanni Medici had a smarter mind than all his siblings, and had a stupid brother more than his Piero's more determined character.
When he hurriedly escaped from the Medici Palace, Giovanni Medici, who was separated from his family, immediately found some old friends and hoped to get help from them.
But those people were obviously terrified. The only thing they could do was to give Giovanni some money, and then urge him to leave quickly not to implicate himself.
But even so, none of Giovanni's successive betrayals betrayed him.
This is of course due to the good reputation of the previous Medici family for their friends who can reach their loyalty, more because Giovanni's keen judgment can see through people's hearts.
He knows who to look for is safer, and who to call for help can get a response.
Giovanni and one of his brothers miraculously escaped from the city's hunt. After they left Florence, they began to seek help and lobbying everywhere.
They visited almost all the families in the big and small cities that had a good relationship with the Medici family. They also asked for help from many local churches. Given that Giovanni himself was a priest, he even wrote to the Vatican to request the support of the pope.
It was just that Alexander VI was exhausted to deal with the French, and then after finally driving away Charlie, he had to fall into a fight with the Venetians, which made Alexander VI not only free to take the time to take care of The Medici family, because of the threat from Venice, prevented him from letting go of Savonarola.
Giovanni Medici is also clearly aware of his current situation, so he is patiently waiting for the opportunity, he knows that his opportunities are not much, and the money on hand is pitiful, and he quickly became in exile Almost spent the money at hand, he had to endure high interest rates to borrow from some loan sharks in order to recover.
The loan sharks are very welcome to Giovanni. Some of them even want to make long-term investment in him. They know that although this person seems to be downcast, both the family and him have immeasurable huge potential, especially His background identity in the church, even if the Medici family can not be restored, this person will not let them down.
Giovanni is very careful. Of course he knows the minds of those people, so he is more cautious. He doesn't want to leave any hidden dangers for himself in the future.
In the past few years of escape, Giovanni has been paying close attention to what happened in Florence.
When the false fire ignited, he was keenly aware of something unusual, and after careful consideration, he decided to send someone to contact some people in Florence.
Giovanni was carefully selected among the people he believed to be trustworthy, and finally he found a character who was not very conspicuous at the time, Midino.
Giovanni's unique vision paid him back, and Midino quickly responded to him, but neither Giovanni nor Midino had thought of what would happen next.
Now that there was a riot in Florence, Savonello was overthrown, and the new government ruled the city. Although all of this seemed unexpected, Giovanni de Medici felt that the opportunity for their family had finally arrived.
The news that Giovanni de Medici arrived in Pisa was sent by the people of the Pizza Chamber of Commerce. Of course, the appearance of big figures like him will naturally arouse people's attention, especially the Medici home is famous throughout Europe. The family of chaebols, despite their downfall, is still extraordinary, and it is not surprising that it will receive attention.
So when such a letter is sent to Alexander, it won't attract any attention.
In fact, it is not that simple.
While still in Naples, Alexander proposed to Ruosha the idea of ​​the Chamber of Commerce delivering messages, but this was originally what the Chamber of Commerce would normally do. In this era of closed news, many important news came from all over the world. Traveling caravans passed, but some messages were deliberately passed, and some messages were just unintentionally spreading around because of people's curiosity.
Alexander insisted on where the merchants went to hear what he heard. He asked those merchants to get a local news except for their business after they arrived at a place, from the merchants themselves concerned about the source prices of various goods in the local market, to seeming to them. There is no use for all kinds of news in the local city. Alexander asked Russa to make those Naples businessmen insist on recording what they heard and send it back to Naples.
Because of this, he was able to quickly learn that Taranto ’s merchants were generally hostile to the FTA, and it was because of this that he knew so quickly that the Florentines were trying to buy dumping commodities, so as to mobilize other people in time. Local goods eventually overwhelmed those who tried to resist.
Now the news about Giovanni de Medici is also like this. An intelligence network established through the Chamber of Commerce or in the name of the Chamber of Commerce is gradually beginning to function, and this intelligence network is moving towards Europe in a way that is difficult for others to detect. The inland stretches away.
Naples, Taranto, Palermo, Pisa, Frankfurt, Amsterdam ...
As long as there is a place where there are businessmen, there are people who are doing business while passing back all kinds of news.
Some of these very important messages will be sent to the Marino Palace, and the vast majority will be sent to the Caroling Palace through the Roman exchange.
"Giovanni de Medici has been in Genoa before," Alexander told Ofrei, he knew that the commander of the army did not care about the news, and he put more energy on the army. "Now he Suddenly arrived at Pizza, what do you think he was going to do? "
"God, wouldn't he think that he could recapture Florence while there was a riot," Aufrei looked at Alexandria unexpectedly. "Master, I don't know how many troops that Medici had, but if he planned to attack at this time, it wouldn't be good idea."
"Oh why?"
"Sir, I am about to report to you that the Florentine lookout posts and small troops in some towns outside have just withdrawn into the city. They seem to be aware of something, so they are taking the team back this afternoon. It seems It ’s preparation to fight, although the mercenaries do n’t look very powerful, but it would be very troublesome to attack like this.

"Oh," Alexander turned to look at the city below. "Did Sazi get any news?"
"Maybe we are afraid of attacking them," Aufrei smiled. "If you are really prepared to attack Florence, I suggest you wait, at least not to attack now."
"why?"
Alexander asked with great interest, but he really wanted to hear the thoughts of Aufrei. Speaking of the few battles that have been successful so far, either in the wild or relying on fortress defense, so far Alexander 'S army has not yet actively attacked an enemy with a perfect defense system.
This made him want to know what to do if he faced such an enemy.
"Sir, we can wait for Gompati to come," Ofreiy looked down at the mountain and showed a regretful look. "Unfortunately, Gompati's artillery couldn't hit that far, otherwise we can build a fort directly on King's Hill. The entire Florence must listen to their control. "
Alexander looked at O'Fairy with some consternation, his eyes disturbing the commander of the army.
Alexander had to promise that this world really was a genius or at least a wizard in some respects.
At least as a stonemason apprentice, Alfred can't really see any talents to be proud of in art, but in the military field, or in terms of legal murderers, he has shown extraordinary talents.
Alexandria clearly remembered that a few hundred years later, there was indeed a person who set up a cannon on the King's Hill as O'Frei said. Then, before the shot was fired, the Florentines opened the door and surrendered.
"Aufrei, do you really like Ashley?" Alexander suddenly changed the subject. He stretched his arms around Affrei's shoulder and walked up the hillside, asking casually.
"Yes, but you know her father Pompeii ..." Aufrei shrugged a little helplessly.
"Yeah, Pompeii is a little stubborn, but if you really like Ashley, then propose to her quickly, and then marry her as soon as possible, I am willing to be your witness."
"Of course, this is good, Master," Aufrei was a little excited, but then he was puzzled again. "But why are you urging me to get married, Master?"
"Because if you are fortunate not to die in the next war, then you are destined to stand out. At that time, perhaps you have to consider not a girl you like, but something that is useful to you and old. The ugly widow is married, and it would be too bad if that was the case. "Alexander smiled slightly at Aufrei.
Thanks to the unusually lively business relationship between Pisa and Florence, almost at the same time as the news received by Alexandria, the Florentines also knew that Giovanni de Medici arrived in Pisa.
When I heard this news, the whole of Florence was like a sudden and huge storm!
If the overthrow of Savonarola was an earthquake, then the appearance of Giovanni de Mettizi is to many people the end of the world after the earthquake.
Among them, Sazi is the most shocked and the most anxious.
The assassination of Lorenzo de Metizi caused the Sazzi family to flee to a foreign land, and now Lorenzo's son is on the sidelines, ready to restore the revenge and counterattack.
As the governor of Florence, this time the Sazi family must face Giovanni de Medici without any retreat.
This made Sazi secretly worried about the future.
He knew exactly what the Medici family meant to the city, and the victory of Savonarola was not a fluke.
The embarrassment of Florence a few years later, many people could not help but miss the scenery of the Medici era.
Sazi walked along the corridor on the side of the baptistery. On his side, a middle-aged man accompanied him.
"The bishop insists on accepting the conditions of the pope, otherwise he will not recognize our new government," the middle-aged man whispered to Sazi. "I worry that the pope may turn to express support for Giovanni Medici."
The middle-aged man's words made Sazi's footsteps pause a little. His fingers rubbed gently on the ring jewel he was wearing. After a while, he said slowly in an uncertain tone: "You think the pope will really support The Medici family? "
"At least this is not a bad thing for the Vatican," the voice of the middle-aged man also expressed a trace of worry. "Among the Medici family, Giovanni is the most difficult to deal with. He is suddenly in Pisa now. People worry that if the Pope ’s conditions are not met, then perhaps we will have to face the army of Count Montina outside the city. "
"But it is said that Midino has rejected the Pope's messenger," Sazi said annoyed. "I am now beginning to wonder if that Midino has any purpose. Maybe he wants us to completely break with the pope."
"Consul, I have to say that your suspicions are correct," the middle-aged man's breathing was slightly heavy. "Midino had a good relationship with the Medici family before, but he later entered the Savonarola government. It turns out that this person is much smarter than us than any of us. "
"But he is not smart this time."
Sazi looked at the middle-aged man. He knew that the secretary of the government office had long coveted the throne of the financial officer. If he used to be a financial officer before, this person did not dare to act too strongly. , The administrative secretary, has already begun to look a little urgent.
Midino rejected the mission of Alexander VI's messenger already at this time, and it was at this time that Giovanni de Medici arrived in Pisa.
Whether there is any special relationship between them, or simply two things that are completely unrelated, Sazi has no intention of investigating, he only knows that Midino's decision threatens him and his family.
And the person around him was obviously willing to do things for him that didn't look very clean.
"Midino is a finance officer, and both in the previous and current governments have a high reputation, to accuse such a person requires evidence."
Sazi looked away, and he noticed that the bishop and the monk Mahimo had come out of the prayer hall, and with them was the pope's personal secretary, Nomelo.
"Please rest assured that the consul, I have found evidence that satisfies you." The administrative secretary nodded slightly and then turned to leave.
"Wait a moment," Sazi suddenly thought of something. "There is a man named Machiavelli in the government office. He used to do things for Savonarola, but now he listens to my assignment, you can arrange something for him, Maybe he can help a little. "
"Observe the governor." The administrative secretary bowed slightly and left.
Looking at the few Vatican people who were approaching, Sazi tried to squeeze a smile on his face. He knew that he might face the most demanding conditions next, but he also knew that the only one who could get out of the predicament Hope, all these people in front of them.
Machiavelli was sitting on the table in the corner of the room and was writing something very seriously. On the table in front of him was a pile of writing paper. The feather pen had been bald for several times, but he didn't feel tired at all. There are even some worries about missing valuable inspiration when writing too slowly.
"Regardless of the size of any country, there are always many advantages to building an exclusive army belonging to its own country. Although such an army may place a great burden on the financial constraints, it is not as good as its contribution. For example, these burdens and losses are tolerable or even negligible. On the contrary, those countries that gave up this determination purely because of their miserliness are not worthy of sympathy even in the face of the national annihilation ... "
Machiavelli's pen moved quickly on the paper. The careful observation of the previous period provided him with enough materials and materials, which made him feel that the manuscript he wrote to the consul might become a handed down in the future. Classic.

I ’m here to explain to you again some of my thoughts on mercenaries based on my own personal experience. In Pisa, I saw with my own eyes an army that was more disappointing than the Uyghurs. A good army, which allows me to see the essence of mercenaries. I think they have no loyalty and motivation to drive them to the battlefield except holding a small salary. They are keen to treat you when they are not fighting. Soldiers, but in the event of a war, they only care about their own exhaustion, so I firmly believe that mercenaries are the worst military system. Compared with them, even the worst civilian army will be inspired by the defense of their hometowns. He showed little courage. "
Machiavelli stopped and rubbed some sore wrists, and looked at the sharp arguments on the paper, with a satisfied smile on his face.
It is not his original intention to return to the Office of Administration, nor his purpose. He thinks he is competent enough to hold more important positions. What he needs now is an opportunity for the consul to see his ability.
Machiavelli regards the "On Military System" he is writing as a stepping stone for his re-use.
A burst of rapid footsteps suddenly came from outside the door. Several officials in the room could not help but panic. Many people were taken away suddenly in the past few days, and then they never came back, and this kind of thing is happening anytime and anywhere. No one knows whether he will become the next one.
The door was suddenly pushed open, and a soldier in half-body armour, with a sword on his shoulders came in. He glanced at the faces of the officials with his messy beard, and then asked with anger, "Who is Nico?" Low Machiavelli? "
Machiavelli's hand shook in a moment, and the ink on the quill fell and splashed on the manuscript paper.
"It's you?"
The soldier immediately noticed the uneasy look on Machiavelli's face.
"Yes ~ EbookFREE.me ~ But I have the testimonial from the consul ..."
"Follow me," the soldier waved impatiently. Several people in the room showed sympathy. Fortunately, some of them were vaguely gloating and said to Machiavelli. "The government secretary wants to see you. Go to his office on the second floor." , Hurry up and do n’t let that big man wait impatiently. "
The soldier's words made Machiavelli slightly stunned, and then did not wake up until he was urged again.
He knew that if he was to be arrested, it would not be possible for the government secretary to come forward, because he was not yet qualified.
So what else can it be?
Machiavelli was instantly excited. He grabbed the unfinished manuscript on the table and rushed out of the room, and ran to the second floor under the leadership of the soldier.
My chance is here! My chance is here!
Machiavelli kept telling himself all the way along the way.
However, Machiavelli did not know what was waiting for him.